Photos by Ralph Freso
Sophomore Shae Dale spent her childhood watching her mom perform in bands. She fell in love with music and wanted to be just like her.
Now, because of Grand Canyon University’s newly developed Commercial Music Program, Dale and others can pursue those aspirations, develop their talents and learn about the professional music industry.
“The idea is that we want to teach students to be entrepreneurs so they can exist in a very large industry,” said Dr. Mark Huggins, music program chair, of the program lauched last fall.
“We are not just trying to refine a really great vocalist, guitarist, trumpet player and so forth. We want to help them with those skills but also teach them how to market those skills.”
College of Arts and Media quickly saw a spike in interest for the new program from incoming and existing students after its launch. The 2024-25 academic year started with 27 commercial music students, but based on applications CAM expects to more than triple the number of students by next fall.
The program also will be offered to online students in the fall.
After it was introduced, Dale changed her original major from social media and minor in vocal performance to commercial music.
“Because I got the front row seat to all my mom’s performances, I have loved music since I was little,” Dale said. “I love how art like that connects people and I hope I can do that with my music, too.”
“I have been impressed with the program and feel lucky to have a lot of opportunities presented, which is surprising because it’s so new.”
The degree fosters collaboration between music, business and social media forces. While music classes are the core of the program, Huggins found it important to incorporate business, design and social media courses, so students can learn how to market and advertise their own talent.
The multidisciplinary program equips students to become a “one-man show,” developing well-rounded knowledge and expertise that will prepare them to navigate the music industry through various outlets.
By the completion of the program, students will have the skills to navigate sound booths and audio control rooms, write and record songs, set up a stage with instruments, chords, lights and microphones, design personal branding such as posts and posters, and network with industry professionals.
Freshman Jackson Cox was sold on GCU when this program addition was made.
“I took GCU off my list at first because it didn’t have a commercial music program,” Cox said. “I couldn’t figure out where I wanted to go to school, so I prayed and, boom, GCU started offering commercial music. If that isn’t a sign from God, I don’t know what is.”
Cox found his musical fit at GCU. After joining the program, Cox was inspired to form his own indie rock band and start the Commercial Music Club with Dale and freshman Isaac Scherer.
When classes ended for the day, Cox, Dale and Scherer gathered in CAM’s Studio 35 with a group of students for an evening of jam sessions and discussion of what they had learned in class. The club was open to all Lopes interested in learning more about music or just looking for a place to spend their evening in community.
“Going into the music industry is scary,” Scherer said. “You never know how much opportunity there is going to be or how scarce the needed talent is. I feel secure here because having a support system of people that have been in it and know what they are doing and are willing to help you every step of the way, gives me peace to move forward.”
These students got a chance to show off their talents at the college’s new event, Thursday Night Live. Dale, Cox and Scherer showcased original pieces in vocal and instrumental performances.
While Scherer shared the opening spotlight with freshman Emma Cowden, filling the air with tender piano notes, Dale poured her heart out in a solo performance and Cox electrified the stage with his band, Canyon Avenue, accompanied by bandmates Jordan Woods and Sawyer Balcombe.
“There is so much you learn in the commercial music program,” Cox said. “You get the experience to step into any job and further those skills. You have the base layer of everything to figure out what you fully want to focus on. It has been a great program so far.”
GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected]
***
Related content:
GCU News: Live from Grand Canyon University, it’s „Thursday Night“!
GCU News: Canyon Creative hits play on new streaming platform
GCU News: Grammy-winning audio engineer brings perfect pitch to GCU’s creative programs
GCU News
GCU